philosophical theory

{{Short description|Explanation of a philosophical problem}}

A philosophical theory or philosophical positionBothamley, Jennifer (1993), Dictionary of Theories, Canton, MI: Visible Ink Press{{pn|date=January 2025}} is a view that attempts to explain or account for a particular problem in philosophy.{{citation needed|date=December 2017}} The use of the term "theory" is a statement of colloquial English and not a technical term.{{cite book |last=Lacey |first=A.R. |title=A Dictionary of Philosophy |publisher=Routledge |location=London and New York |date=1976 |edition=second |page=122 |isbn=0-415-05872-4}} While any sort of thesis or opinion may be termed a position, in analytic philosophy it is thought best to reserve the word "theory" for systematic, comprehensive attempts to solve problems.{{cite book |last=Sparkes |first=A.W. |title=Talking Philosophy: a wordbook |publisher=Routledge |location=New York, New York |date=1991 |page=114 |isbn=0-415-04222-4}}

Overview

The elements that comprise a philosophical position consist of statements which are believed to be true by the thinkers who accept them, and which may or may not be empirical. The sciences have a very clear idea of what a theory is; however in the arts such as philosophy, the definition is more hazy. Philosophical positions are not necessarily scientific theories, although they may consist of both empirical and non-empirical statements.

The collective statements of all philosophical movements, schools of thought, and belief systems consist of philosophical positions. Also included among philosophical positions are many principles, dogmas, doctrines, hypotheses, rules, paradoxes, laws, as well as 'ologies, 'isms, 'sis's, and effects.{{pn|date=January 2025}}

Some examples of philosophical positions include:

Philosophical positions may also take the form of a religion, philosophy of life, ideology, world view, or life stance.

See also

References

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Category:Theories

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